Long Haul Truck Driver: What to Do when Boredom Strikes!

So you made the decision to become a long haul truck driver and you are embarking on your first load assignment alone. You managed to survive CDL school, you survived being out for thousands of miles with your trainer, and now you are in your own truck!

The miles click off, hundreds at a time, during your first few loads. You're in a new state, new city, new town every few miles of the day. A few weeks pass and you are beginning to wonder if your odometer is working correctly, the miles aren't clicking as fast as they used to. You start wondering what is going on with your body and mind.

The answer is simple. You have now entered into the "driver boredom" stage of being a professional over-the-road driver. By this time you are comfortable operating the truck and paying close attention to all things around you at all times; however, boredom strikes all drivers at some point. Remember also that boredom and weight gain typically go hand in hand.

Here are a few do's and don'ts to help you combat your boredom and keep your weight in check, while driving your 10-hour shifts.

Don't reach for the soda or snack foods. We all tend to eat and drink more when we are bored. Soda's are full of sugar, which will eventually add to your weight. Snack foods are generally full of salt and fats which will also add to your weight.

Try drinking more water and pick up some raw veggies or fat-free snacks the next time you stop for supplies. Sugar free soda's are ok, but water would be the best choice.

Sugar free gum is wonderful for keeping your mouth busy and your brain tricked into thinking you are chewing on food. If you are not into gum, try sugar free candies. These are really very good without all the sugar! These are available at most all grocery chains, Wal-Mart, drug stores, etc.

Don't reach for another cigarette. If you are a smoker you will positively smoke more when bored. Try chewing on straws or grab the sugar free candy.

You're brain needs activity just like your body needs nourishment. Outside of watching other vehicles and listening to your GPS tell you where to turn, your brain is not extremely active while driving. This is where audio books play into the solution.

There are audio books on just about any subject you can imagine. If you are religious you can listen to the bible, you could listen to a book on mechanical issues with big rigs, fiction, non-fiction, or you could learn a whole new language.

My absolute favorite audio books are produced by Graphic Audio. These are available at major truck stops and online at Graphicaudio.com. These are advertised as a "movie in your mind" and they do make your brain stay engaged on the topic.

There are also websites such as Amazon.com and Audible.com where you can download books to your iPod or MP3 files. Which are also excellent ways to combat the boredom you are bound to experience.

Subscribe to Sirius (XM) radio, if your truck is not already equipped. Satellite radio has become a necessity for drivers. This will let you stay in touch with what is actually going on in the world via the news channels. You have an array of news channels, trucker channels, and music channels, etc. to keep your mind working.

When you plan your trip for the load you are hauling, plan a couple of stops during the drive. Get out of the truck and walk around. Park away from the building so you must walk farther. Your brain will tell you to park as close as possible, but your body will welcome the movement.

The two major concerns that all professional over-the-road drivers have to combat are weight gain and exercise. If you can entertain your brain, get at least the minimal amount of exercise and watch what you are eating, you will have half the battle won.

By incorporating a few changes in to your driving lifestyle, you will most likely enjoy your chosen profession a lot more and defeat the boredom! You will also notice the miles are clicking away again!